From 12 to 14 February 2025, SUSHEAT project partners participated in the RedTES research network workshop, a key event aimed at fostering collaboration and driving innovation within the research community.
Organized by the GREiA research group from the University of Lleida (UDL), the workshop was held in Calella and Fogars de la Selva in the Costa Brava region of Barcelona, Spain. The event brought together leading researchers, industry representatives, and members of the scientific community to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities in sustainability and materials technology.
The SUSHEAT partners who participated in the event included Rubén Barbero Fresno from the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Juan Enriquez from ANALYSIS-DSC (ADSC), and Emiliano Borri and Luisa F. Cabeza from the University of Lleida (UDL).
The SUSHEAT team members who participated in the event included Rubén Barbero Fresno from the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Juan Enriquez from ANALYSIS-DSC (ADSC), and Emiliano Borri and Luisa F. Cabeza from the University of Lleida (UDL). Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial in addressing global challenges, particularly in the fields of energy efficiency and sustainability, highlighting the importance of EU research projects in driving these efforts. The RedTES workshop offered SUSHEAT project partners a valuable opportunity to network, share expertise, and collaborate on shaping future research and development initiatives.
Exploring Innovation at CRODA in Catalonia
A key highlight of the event was a visit to the CRODA facilities in Catalonia, where participants were able to witness first-hand the company’s groundbreaking innovations in sustainability and materials technology. CRODA, a leading global supplier of sustainable ingredients for various industries, showcased its advanced research and production processes. The visit allowed attendees to engage with industry experts, gain insights into current trends, and explore potential collaborations that could advance the goals of the SUSHEAT project and similar initiatives.
The tour of CRODA was not just an opportunity for learning. It also served as a platform for building partnerships that could drive future progress in the area of energy efficiency and sustainable solutions.
Fostering Collaboration Through Virtual Speed Networking
Another major component of the event was the innovative ‘virtual speed networking’ session that followed the CRODA visit. The RedTES internal workshop emphasized the importance of forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. Through the use of an online platform, around 30 posters were presented by participants highlighting their research areas and interests. The SUSHEAT team presented the project, with a particular focus on innovations related to the design of a novel biomimicry-inspired Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank and its optimization using Artificial Intelligence.
This virtual format allowed attendees to showcase their work to a broader audience and initiate direct collaborations with other researchers, irrespective of geographic barriers.
Participants selected researchers with similar research interests and held individual meetings, fostering valuable connections that could lead to joint research projects and the sharing of best practices. This collaborative approach is vital for the SUSHEAT project as it aims to harness collective knowledge and expertise to create impactful solutions in energy and sustainability.
SUSHEAT’s Advancements in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) through Biomimicry and AI Optimization
In conclusion, the SUSHEAT project has made significant breakthroughs in advancing Thermal Energy Storage (TES) research and innovation. Through the development of a biomimicry-inspired TES tank design, the project has introduced a novel approach to optimizing heat transfer. Experimental testing, combined with genetic algorithm (GA) optimization techniques, has led to promising results, surpassing the performance of the initial prototype. The innovative pipe branching geometry within a shell-and-tube configuration has proven effective in managing temperature gradients and reducing pressure drop constraints. These findings lay the groundwork for future advancements in TES systems, offering valuable insights for enhancing their efficiency and performance.
